Book Review: Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario

Genre: Biography/Non-Fiction
Ages: 14 and Up

About:
     Every year, millions of migrants from Mexico and Latin America flock to the United States in search of a better life and more economic opportunity. What many don't know though, is that a vast majority of these migrants are mothers, forced to leave their young children behind in their home countries, in order to provide for their families. These children, without any strong parental figures in their lives, grow up broken and feeling unloved. Emotionally, they are forced to face anything from extreme depression to violent anger. Some of these children simply feel as though cannot live without their mothers, so they decide to make the dangerous trek north to the United States, all by themselves.
      These children, some as young as 10 years old, face countless obstacles, from gangs, corrupt police, speeding trains, and starvation. Through it all though, they remain focused on their ultimate goal: being reunited with their mothers.
     LA Times journalist Sonia Nazario followed the case of one of these particular children, a boy by the name of Enrique. Through years and months of treacherous travels, Nazario reveals to readers the dangerous struggles faced by these migrants, but also the ultimate power of family, through Enrique's story.

   

     What an eye-opening read. I was absolutely blown away by the frank honesty and sheer power of this novel. With every page that I read, I became more and more aware of the struggles faced by Latino migrants coming into the United States, while also realizing how complex of an issue illegal immigration really is. In my honest opinion, everyone living in the United States should most definitely read this book, as it provides an in depth report and yet heartfelt story of one of the most pressing issues of our time. Thanks to this book, my worldview truly has been expanded, and for that I am sincerely grateful to have read it. If you still have yet to read Enrique's Journey, please get on it immediately! There's absolutely no way you'll regret it.

 

      Have you read Enrique's Journey before, or another book similar to it? If so, tell us what you thought about it right here at Reading Soup, or on my Google Plus profile page. It's always a pleasure to hear your literary thoughts and opinions. Have a great day, stay warm, and keep on reading!

- The Soup Chef